Vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure

ABSTRACT

An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/863,339, entitled “VEHICLE CARGO TAILGATEENCLOSURE,” filed on Oct. 27, 2006.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/863,339,filed on Oct. 27, 2006 is expressly incorporated by reference herein andmade a part of the present specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application generally relates to a cargo tailgate enclosurefor a pickup truck.

2. Description of the Related Art

Pick-up trucks are extremely popular. One of their primary advantages isthe ability to haul loads in the storage bed located behind the cab ofthe vehicle. Unfortunately, often the storage bed is of an undesirableconfiguration for the load being transported. In particular, it is notunusual for the load to be larger than the truck bed, so that thetailgate of the truck needs to be lowered to enable the load to beadequately transferred. Unfortunately, this raises the risk that theload will fall out of the back of the truck, or that the load will needto be tied down, taking additional time.

For this reason, various truck tailgate enclosures have been developed.Despite the great success and excellent functionality of previoustailgate enclosures, new areas exist in which to further improve thecargo tailgate enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is an improved tailgateenclosure which preferably incorporates the use of non-circularcross-members, simplified vertical supports, and a modified storagespace defined by the tailgate enclosure. In some embodiments, the newtailgate enclosure is particularly well suited for transportingmotorcycles in the cargo bed of a pickup truck. The new tailgateenclosure can also desirably provide simplified assembly.

In some embodiments, a vehicle tailgate enclosure for use with a vehiclehaving an open storage bed is provided. The open storage bed has a rearend, a first upstanding side panel to on one side of said bed, a secondupstanding side panel to on an opposite side of said bed, and atailgate. The tailgate enclosure is mountable in a first position inwhich said tailgate enclosure comprises a first side wall, a second sidewall, and a connecting wall. The first side wall is coupled to the firstside panel. The second side wall is coupled to the second side panel.The connecting wall connects said first side wall and said second sidewall, a portion of said connecting wall positioned over said tailgaterearward of said rear end of said bed, said connecting wall anglingupward and outward from said tailgate at an angle of between about 10and about 50 degrees from vertical.

In other embodiments, a vehicle tailgate enclosure for use with avehicle having an open storage bed is disclosed. The storage bed has arear end, a first upstanding side panel defining one side of said bed, asecond upstanding side panel defining an opposite side of said bed, anda tailgate. The tailgate enclosure is mountable in a first position inwhich said tailgate enclosure comprises a first side wall, a second sidewall, and a connecting wall. The first side wall is coupled to the firstside panel. The second side wall is coupled to the second side panel.The connecting wall connects said first side wall and said second sidewall. The connecting wall comprises a plurality of cross-members havinga non-circular cross-section; and a plurality of struts, each strutdefining a plurality of openings, each of said plurality of openingssized and shaped to receive and retain one of said plurality ofcross-members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present vehiclecargo tailgate enclosure are described below with reference to drawingsof preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not tolimit, the present invention. The drawings contain twenty-three figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a truck tailgateenclosure mounted on a truck over the tailgate.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a truck with the tailgateenclosure of FIG. 1 over the tailgate.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a truck with the tailgateenclosure of FIG. 1 spaced forward of the closed tailgate.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a truck with the trucktailgate enclosure of FIG. 1 behind the truck cab.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a tubular member of the trucktailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a rear upright of the truck tailgate enclosureof FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a section of a rear upright of thetruck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 a is a perspective view of a mating section of a rear upright ofthe truck tailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pivot upright of the truck tailgateenclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a pivot upright of the trucktailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating a truck bed receiving the tailgateenclosure of FIG. 1 when the tailgate enclosure is in a verticalorientation.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating a truck bed receiving thetailgate enclosure of FIG. 1 when the tailgate enclosure is in ahorizontal orientation.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a latch configured to receive the trucktailgate enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a latch which is configured to receive the truck tailgateenclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a truck tailgateenclosure of the present invention mounted on a truck over the tailgate.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the truck tailgate enclosure of FIG.21.

FIG. 23 is cross-sectional back view of an embodiment of a tailgateenclosure with a telescopic back wall system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Several embodiments of vehicle cargo tailgate enclosures are describedherein. With reference to many of the figures, relative directions andpositions are used such as top, bottom, front, back, left, and right.With reference to the tailgate enclosure, the direction conventionfollows corresponding to a vehicle with the tailgate enclosure in theposition shown in FIG. 1. That is, the left side of the cargo tailgateenclosure corresponds to the left side of the vehicle and the top of thetailgate enclosure corresponds to the top of the vehicle all from theorientation of a person sitting in the driver's seat. This directionconvention will be carried with the tailgate enclosure throughoutdifferent positions which may shift the relative front, back, top, andbottom of the tailgate enclosure relative to the vehicle. This directionconvention is only intended to clarify the description and is in no wayintended to limit the scope of the technology, unless otherwiseexpressly stated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cargo tailgate enclosure 100 mounted to a truck 30.The truck 30 comprises a cab 31 to the rear of which is a cargo bed 32.The cargo bed 32 includes a front wall 40, right side wall 36, left sidewall 38, and a tailgate 34 which together define a cargo space 33. Thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 is preferably mounted to the right sidewall 36 and the left side wall 38 and, in certain positions, is capableof increasing the cargo space 33 or partitioning the cargo space 33. Thewalls 36, 38, 40, and the tailgate 34 are desirably upstanding panelswhich define a generally rectangular cargo space 33 which can be openfrom above.

With reference to FIG. 1, the tailgate 34 is capable of providing accessto the cargo space 33 from a rearward location and is pivotallyconnected adjacent a lower surface 42 of the cargo bed 32 that defines alower end of the cargo space 33. In other trucks to which the tailgateenclosure 100 can be applied, the tailgate 34 can be configured to bepivotally connected to the right side wall 36 or the left side wall 38.The tailgate 34 can further comprise a latch mechanism 44 configured tosecure the tailgate in a closed and upright position. In the positionshown in FIG. 1, the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is extends the cargospace 33 of the cargo bed 32 when the tailgate 34 is in an openposition.

With reference to FIG. 1, in its deployed position, the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 may comprise a generally U shape which, in the positionillustrated in FIG. 1, is open towards the front of the truck 30.Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises aleft side wall 102, a right side wall 104, and a connecting wall 106. Inthe position illustrated in FIG. 1, the left side wall 102 extendsrearward from the left side wall 36 of the truck 30 and the right sidewall 104 extends rearward from the right side wall 38 of the truck 30.The connecting wall 106 can connect rearward portions of the side wall102 and the side wall 104 and to at least partially enclose the cargospace 33 of the truck 30. The cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is desirablypivotally connected to the left side wall 36 and the right side wall 38of the truck 30 at pivot connection 124 and pivot connection 126. Thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 can be rotated about the pivot connections124, 126. The pivotal nature of the connections 124, 126 differentconfigurations in which the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 can bepositioned without disconnecting the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 fromthe side wall 36 and the side wall 38 and will be discussed in greaterdetail below. As will be appreciated, non-pivoting connections are alsopossible.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the cargo tailgate enclosure canfurther comprise three cross-members or tubular members including abottom cross-member or tubular member 116, a middle cross-member ortubular member 118 and a top cross-member or tubular member 120 which atleast partially form the walls 102, 104, and 106. The tailgate enclosure100 may also comprise four vertical upright members or struts includinga left pivot upright or strut 108, right pivot upright or strut 110,right rear upright or strut 112 and left rear upright or strut 114. Theuprights 108, 110, 112, and 114 may be configured to secure thecross-members or tubular members 116, 118, and 120 in an evenly spacedconfiguration. The spacing between the cross-members or tubular members116, 118, and 120 is preferably configured so that the height of walls102, 104, and 106 of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is similar to thedepth of the cargo space 33 of the truck 30.

The tubular members 116, 118, and 120 can desirably be made of ametallic material such as 6061-T6 Aluminum or stainless steel and theuprights can desirably be made of a high strength plastic material.Although the above mentioned materials can desirably be used, other suchmaterials can be used in other embodiments of tailgate enclosure. Forexample, the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 can be made of plastic ormetallic materials and the uprights 108, 110, 112, and 114 can be madeof billet aluminum or a composite such as carbon fiber. As and alternateto tubular members, cross-members formed of solid or hollow shapesinclude such shapes as solid L-angles, L-shaped tubing, I-beams,I-shaped tubing, octagonal tubing, round tubing, square solid bars,square tubing, triangular solid bars, triangular tubing or othersuitable shapes. Furthermore, the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 canbe made of any suitable material such as plastic, composites, steel, oraluminum.

Although the embodiment of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 shown inFIGS. 1-8 has been illustrated with three tubular members 116, 118, and120, any number of tubular members may be used in the cargo tailgateenclosure 100. For example a tailgate enclosure 100 may include 2, 4, or5 tubular members. Because a tailgate enclosure with a greater number oftubular members may in turn have a smaller spacing between the bars, itmay be useful for carrying cargo that is relatively small and may be atrisk of slipping between the tubular members. The same applies to thevertical uprights in that any number or spacing of vertical uprights maybe used with the cargo tailgate enclosure 100. Once again a greaternumber of vertical uprights can be desirable depending on the preferredcargo to be carried.

One advantage of the spacing of the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 isthat it provides passageways for air to pass through the walls 102, 104and 106 of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100. Quite often when a vehicle,such as the truck 30 of FIG. 1, is traveling at high speeds the tailgate34 can provide a great deal of wind resistance when in an uprightpositions. With the spaced positioning of the tubular members 116, 118,and 120 shown in FIGS. 1-8 air may pass freely through cargo tailgateenclosure 100, which reduces unnecessary wind drag on the truck 30.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cargo tailgate enclosure furthercomprises a rearwardly sloping back wall 106. The back wall 106 isconfigured to slope upward and outward relative to a rear end of thetailgate 34. The rearward angle θ of the back wall 106 from vertical ispreferably at least 10 degrees and desirably at least 15 degrees. In oneembodiment, the angle, θ is approximately 19.1 degrees. Furthermore, theangle θ of the back wall 106 can preferably be no greater than about 50degrees and desirably no greater than 45 degrees and more preferably nogreater than 30 degrees. Furthermore the range of the angle θ in someembodiments is desirably between 10 degrees and 50 degrees andpreferably between 15 degrees and 45 degrees and more desirably between15 degrees and 30 degrees. The benefits and advantages of the slopedback wall 106 will be discussed in further detail below with referenceto various positions of the tailgate enclosure 100.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the walls 102, 104, and 106 arepreferably formed at least in part by the tubular members 116, 118, and120. In order to transition between the side walls 102 and 104 to theback wall 106, the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 can be bent toachieve the transitions. In one embodiment, the tubular members 116,118, and 120 can have two bend locations on each side of the cargotailgate enclosure 100 including two forward bent transitions 142 andtwo rearward bent transitions 144. Although the illustrated embodimentshows two bent transitions 142 and 144 any number of bent transitionsmay be used including one or three. As used herein, “bent” is a broadterm, and is in reference to the end configuration, not themanufacturing process. Thus, a carbon fiber tubular member that is laidup originally with a bend in it would be considered bent.

In some embodiments, the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 are formed ofmultiple pieces such that the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 areformed of two L-shaped pieces which can connect along the back wall 106.Such a configuration can reduce the size of the tubular members 116,118, and 120, which may increase the ease of shipping and/or storing thecargo tailgate enclosure 100. Furthermore, because the tubular members116, 118, and 120 are preferably made of two L-shaped pieces, thetubular members 116, 118, and 120 can provide a degree of adjustment toadjust the overall width of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100. Such anadjustment can be advantageous to accommodate for dimensional tolerancesin various vehicles or in the cargo tailgate enclosure 100. Although theembodiment of the tailgate enclosure shown in FIGS. 1-8 has been shownwith the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 comprising two L-shapedpieces, the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 can comprise any number ofpieces including being formed of one solid piece.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the left upright 108 and theright upright 110 may be configured to substantially cap open distalends of the tubular members 116, 118, and 120. The right upright 110 andthe left upright 108 are further configured to include a left pivotmount 130 and a pivot mount 132 which are configured to secure the cargotailgate enclosure 100 to the left side wall 36 and the right side wall38 of the truck 30. Preferably, the left pivotal mount 130 and the rightpivotal mount 132 are received by latches 202, illustrated in FIGS.17-20 which may be mounted to an inner surface of the side wall 36 and38. The details of the connection between the pivotal mounts 130 and 132and the latches 202 will be discussed in greater detail below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, in some embodiments, the leftrear upright 112 and the right rear upright 114 can comprise bumpers134. The bumpers 134 are configured to support the back wall 106 of thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 when the cargo tailgate enclosure is restedagainst the lower surface 42 of the cargo bed 32 or the tailgate 34. Thebumpers 134 are desirably made of a rubber material so as to provide asoft interface between the right rear upright 114 and the left rearupright 112 and the bottom surface 42 of the cargo bed 32 or thetailgate 34.

FIG. 9 illustrates the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 arranged in a firstposition in which the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 extends upward andoutward away from the tailgate 34 and increases the size of the cargospace 33. In this configuration, the cargo tailgate enclosure 100provides more space for storage and transport of items, such as themotorcycle 60 illustrated in FIG. 9. In the configuration shown in FIG.9, the sloping back wall 106 of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100provides an advantage when transporting the motorcycle 60 in that it canprovide additional space for a rear wheel 64 of the motorcycle 60 whilestill maintaining at least a portion of the rear wall 106 resting on thetailgate 34. This configuration is afforded by the angle of the rearwall 106 and the configuration of the rear uprights 112, and 114 whichmaintain the bumpers 134 in a position resting on the tailgate 34. Whilethe illustrated configuration shows certain advantages of the tailgateenclosure 100 for transporting a motorcycle 60, it is contemplated thatthe additional cargo space can also be beneficial in transporting otheritems such as other wheeled vehicles (e.g. bicycles, all-terrainvehicles, scooters), or other cargo that would otherwise extend past thevehicle's open tailgate 34.

In certain scenarios when it is desirable to transport a motorcycle 60in the cargo bed 32 of the truck 30, a cargo tailgate enclosure with asubstantially vertical rear wall may not provide sufficient space totransport the motorcycle 60 because the rear wheel 64 may extend past adistal end of the tailgate 34. Thus, by using the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 with the sloped rear wall 106, transport and storage ofthe motorcycle 60 is easy and convenient.

It must also be noted that if a cargo tailgate enclosure with a verticalrear wall were to be used in a situation as illustrated in FIG. 9 thecargo space 33 would be compromised in order to provide sufficient spacefor an item such as the motorcycle 60. That is, if a cargo tailgateenclosure with a vertical rear wall were to be made with side walls longenough to enclose the rear wheel 64 of the motorcycle 60, a hole wouldbe defined by the rear wall of the tailgate enclosure and a distal endof the tailgate 34 which may allow cargo to fall out of the cargo space33. Thus, by using a sloped rear wall 106 the cargo tailgate enclosure100 can accommodate long items such as the motorcycle 60 and stillsubstantially enclose the cargo space 33. Although a motorcycle has beenused as an example of a cargo item that extends past a distal end of anopen tailgate 34, as noted above the tailgate enclosure 100 can beuseful with any large, or long, cargo item.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second position of the cargo tailgate enclosure100. In the position illustrated in FIG. 10, the cargo tailgateenclosure is positioned so that the tubular member 120 is closest to alower surface 42 of the cargo bed 32. The cargo tailgate enclosure 100is connected to the right side wall 36 and the left side wall 38 of thecargo bed 32 at the pivot connection 124 and pivotal connection 126(FIG. 1) at a location similar to that shown in FIG. 9. In the positionshown in FIG. 10, the tailgate 34 can be in an upright and closedposition, and the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 can provide a storagespace 136 within the cargo space 33 that is smaller than the storagespace provided by the cargo bed 32. Thus, in this second position, thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 can provide a partition in the cargo space33. The position shown in FIG. 10 can be achieved by either rotating thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 about the pivot connections 126 and 124from the position shown in FIG. 9 or by mounting the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 directly in the position shown in FIG. 10.

The cargo space 136 provided by the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 in thesecond position may be advantageous when it is desirable to transportsmall to medium sized items. The cargo tailgate enclosure 100 candesirably provide security to transport such small and medium sizeditems in that it will substantially reduce the likelihood of the itemsshifting throughout the entirety of the cargo space 33 during transport.The sloped rear wall 106 of the cargo tailgate enclosure furtherprovides a subspace 138 of the cargo space 136 that is particularly wellsuited for storing small items because the sloped rear wall 106 providessome added security by covering the upper portion of the subspace 136.Such a space may be useful when transporting groceries or a duffle bagbecause a user could tuck such items into the subspace 138.

FIG. 11 illustrates a third position of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100in which the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is located near the front wall40 of the cargo bed 32. The cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is positionedso that the tube 116 is located closest to the lower surface 42 of thecargo bed 32, and the uprights 108 and 10 are located closest to thefront wall 40 of the cargo bed 32. In some pick-up trucks, the cargo bed32 can include a storage box 46 located below the lower surface 42 ofthe cargo bed 32 which is closed by a lid 48. The lid 48 is preferablypivotally connected to the lower surface 42 of the cargo bed 32. Thesloped rear wall 106 of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is advantageousin this position in that it can allow the lid 48 to be opened while thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 is in the third position. In the positionshown in FIG. 11, the left upright 112 and the right upright 114(FIG. 1) rest against the lower surface 42 of the cargo bed 32 at aposition in front of the pivot end of the lid 48. Thus, the cargotailgate enclosure 100 can allow the lid 48 to be opened provide accessto the storage box 46 without repositioning or removing the cargotailgate enclosure 100. One such storage box 46 and lid 48 configurationcan be seen on a Honda Ridgeline™ truck.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the tubular member 116, 118, and120. The cross-section comprises a generally non-circular shape withcurved end walls 121 and sidewalls 119. In the embodiment shown in FIG.12 the average height AH of the cross-section is preferably 1.92 inchesand the average width AW is preferably 1.18 inches. Furthermore, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 12 the overall Height H is preferably 2 inchesand the overall width W is preferably 1.375 inches. Although thisparticular embodiment comprises the aforementioned dimensions, othersuitable dimensions can be used. When the average height AH is 1.92inches and the average width AW is 1.18 inches, the resultant averageheight to average width ratio is 1.62, which approximates a ratiocommonly referred to as Fibonacci's Golden Ratio. This proportionprovides an aesthetically pleasing shape to the tubular members 116,118, and 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 the tubular members 116, 118, and120 comprise a non-circular profile. In the illustrated embodiment, thetubular members 116, 118, 120 further include convex curved sides havingsidewalls 119 extending generally vertically to define a height H of thetubular members 116, 118, 120 and end walls 121 extending generallyhorizontally to define a width W of the tubular members 116, 118, 120.The sidewalls 119 preferably comprise a radius R1 such that the ratio ofthe radius R1 to the height H is preferably less than 3:1. Furthermore,the ratio of the radius R1 to the height H is desirably less than 2:1,and preferably less than 1.5:1, being more preferably less than 1.15:1.In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12 the ratio is approximately1.110:1. The radius R2 of the end walls 121 also comprise substantiallysimilar ratio, however with regard to the end walls 121 the ratio of theradius R2 is compared to the width W. That is, the ratio of the radiusR2 to the width W is preferably less than 3:1, and desirably less than1.5:1, being more desirably less than 1.15:1. In the particularembodiment shown in FIG. 12 the ratio is 1.117:1.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 the curved corners 123 preferablycomprise a radius R3 such that a ratio between the radius R3 and theheight H is preferably greater than 1:32. Furthermore the ratio betweenradius R3 and the height H is preferably greater than 1:16 and desirablygreater than 1:6. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12 theratio is 3:16. Although this particular embodiment comprises theaforementioned dimensions, other suitable dimensions can be used. It ishowever preferable to maintain the non circular cross section of thetubular members 116, 118, and 120 without creating a flat walled crosssection. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 the radius R3 is preferablygreater than ⅛ inch and desirably greater than ¼ inch. In the embodimentshown the radius R3 is ⅜ inch. Once again although specific dimensionsare described above other suitable dimensions may be used.

Although the embodiment of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is describedwith cross-members or tubular members 116, 118, and 120 comprising theparticular cross section shown in FIG. 12, in certain other embodimentsother non-circular shapes may be used. Such alternate non-circularshapes may include, square, triangular, octagonal, or any other suitablenon-circular shapes. Furthermore, the cross-members 116, 118, and 120can, in some embodiments, comprise a solid shape. Some alternativeshapes may include solid L-angle, solid I-beam, solid square shapes, orany other suitable solid or hollow shapes.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, an advantage of the cross-sectionshown in FIG. 12 is that when the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is to begrasped by a user, the cross-section of the tube provides an excellentgripping shape so as to manipulate the cargo tailgate enclosure 100.This is particularly advantageous over a cylindrical tube in that lessforce is required to grasp the tube to prevent rotation within one'shand. Such a configuration in which the shape of the tubular members116, 118, and 120 may be particularly useful is that shown in FIG. 18.When the tailgate enclosure is to be attached to the truck 30 from aposition in which the tailgate enclosure 100 is in a generallyhorizontal position, the non-circular shape of the tubular members 116,118, and 120 can provide an excellent grasping surface in which thetailgate enclosure 100 can be manipulated. That is, that shape of thetubular members 116, 118, and 120 allows the user to easily handle thetailgate enclosure 100 without the tubular members 116, 118, and 120twisting in ones hands.

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 can include two sets of bent transitions: aforward set of bent transitions 142, and a rearward set of benttransitions 144. The bent transitions 142, 144 are configured totransition the side walls 102 and 104 into the rear wall 106 of thecargo tailgate enclosure 100. In the illustrated embodiment, it isdesirable to bend the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 in order toachieve the angled transition 142 and 144. Thus, an advantage of thecross section of the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 is that the shapedescribed above with respect to FIG. 12 can bend to accommodate thebends 142, 144 of the cargo enclosure 100 without substantially bucklingthe tubular members 116, 118, 120. If the tubular members 116, 118, and120 were to be made with a sharp rectangular cross section, the bendingof the tubular member could possibly result in bucking or dimpling ofthe tubular members 116, 118, and 120. Thus, the cross sectional shapeof the tubular member 116, 118, and 120 illustrated in FIG. 12 providesa smooth bend when the tubular member 116, 118, and 120 are to be bentto form the angled transitions 142 and 144.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, another advantage of thenon-circular tubular members 116, 118, and 120 is that the tubularmembers 116, 118, and 120 can be rotationally secured in the uprights108, 110, 112 and 114. As further discussed below, the uprights 108,110, 112 and 114 can include receiving recesses shaped to receive thenon-circular tubular members 116, 118, 120 such that the tubular membersare substantially restrained from rotating. This restraining feature ofthe uprights 108, 110, 112, 114 can be particularly advantageous with acargo enclosure 100 comprising a sloped back wall 106. Due to the slopedback wall 106, a predetermined alignment of the tubular members 116,118, and 120 within the uprights 112 and 114 is desirable. Thus, byusing non-circular tubular members 116, 118, and 120, a desiredorientation of the tubular members 116, 118, and 120 within the uprights112 and 114 can be maintained by corresponding recesses in the uprights112 and 114. That is, the angle of formation of the recesses in theuprights 112 and 114 can dictate the angle of the uprights 112 114relative to the tubular members 116, 118, 120.

Advantageously, the use of non-circular tubular members 116, 118, 120the cargo enclosure 100 can reduce assembly complexity, time, equipment,and expenses. The alignment of cylindrical tubular members relative tothe uprights 112 and 114 can be particularly difficult if one were toassemble the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 without the use of a specialalignment jig. In assembly of a cargo enclosure 100 with cylindricaltubular members, an alignment jig would be preferably used to align thetubes before the uprights were secured to the tubular members. However,a cargo enclosure 100 including tubular members with a non-circularcross-sectional profile, the tubular members 116, 118, 120 can besecured to the uprights 112 and 114 without the use of a special jigbecause the shape of the tubular members 116, 118, 120 will align withrecesses in the uprights 112 and 114. Thus, this self-aligning featureof a cargo enclosure 100 with non-cylindrical tubular members 116, 118,120 can require less time and equipment to assemble.

This assembly advantage extends further to the shipping and storage of acargo tailgate enclosure 100 having non-cylindrical tubular members 116,118, 120. If a special jig is required to assure proper alignment of thecargo tailgate enclosure 100, then it may be necessary to assemble thecargo tailgate enclosure at a manufacturing facility and then to box thecargo tailgate enclosure in an assembled state to ship to the customer.With the present embodiment utilizing non-circular tubes 116, 118, and120, a jig is not required and therefore the cargo tailgate enclosure100 can be shipped to a distributor, retail location, or an end user ina partially or completely disassembled state. The distributor, retaillocation, or end user can then easily assemble the cargo enclosure 100without the use of specialized tools. The shipment of an at leastpartially disassembled cargo enclosure 100 can require a much smallershipment box than that used to ship a fully assembled cargo enclosure100. Thus, the ease of assembly afforded by the tailgate enclosure 100may substantially reduce the cost of shipping containers and handlingcosts.

With returning reference to FIGS. 1-8, the tubular members 116, 118, and120 are desirably configured so that the tubes are oriented in avertical direction. That is, the longer portion of the cross-section ofeach tubular member 116, 118, and 120 is desirably oriented in avertical direction. This orientation can provide bending resistance toloads imposed in a vertical direction. This bending resistance can beparticularly advantageous if cargo (e.g., lumber) is to be loaded intothe cargo bed 32 which may extend beyond the back wall 106 of the cargotailgate enclosure 100 when the tailgate enclosure 100 is in theposition shown in FIG. 9. By providing the tubular members 116, 118, and120 to be configured in a vertical direction, the load can then easilybe supported by the cargo tailgate enclosure 100. Although theillustrated embodiments show the tubular members 116, 118, and 120having the cross-section arranged so that the longer dimension isarranged in vertical direction, any rotational arrangement of the tubingmay be employed. Such alternate arrangements may include the tubularmembers 116, 118, and 120 being arranged so that the longer dimension ofthe cross section is arranged horizontally or parallel to the back wall106, or with the longer dimension oriented at an angle between verticaland horizontal.

FIGS. 13 and 14, and 14 a illustrate the left rear upright 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the left rear upright 112 is substantiallysimilar to the right rear upright 114. The upright support 112 can besplit along a split line 154 which separates the support 112 into afirst shell portion 150 and a second shell portion 152. The split line154 desirably passes diagonally through the channels 158. Preferably thesplit line passes through non-adjacent corners of the channel 158.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 14 a, the left rearupright 112 can further include a bumper 134 on an upper and a lower endof the upright 112. The rubber bumpers 134 are configured to mount tothe upright 112 by a tongue-and-groove arrangement. The bumper 134 cancomprise a rubber material to reduce the risk of damaging the bed floor42 or tailgate 34 when the cargo enclosure 100 is in various positions(see, e.g. FIGS. 1, 9, 10).

With continued reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 14 a, the upright 112 canfurther define three channels 158, each of which is configured toreceive a tubular member 116, 118, 120. The first shell portion 150 andthe second shell portion 152 of the support 112 are configured toseparate along the split line 154 and each desirably defines a series ofpartial channels 159 which cooperate together to form the channels 158to allow the tubular members 116, 118, 120 to be installed positioned inthe channels 158 defined by the upright 112. In some embodiments, thefirst shell half 150 and the second shell half 152 are configured to besecured to one another by threaded fasteners 160 that can be received inthreaded recesses in the shell halves 150, 152. As used herein “channel”is a broad term. A “full channel” may have a variety of configurations,but desirably prevents the tubular members 116, 118, 120 from movingupward, downward, frontward, and rearward.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the right pivot upright 110 which issubstantially similar to the left pivot upright 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the upright 110 is configured to space apart the tubularmembers 116, 118, 120 and to cap the distal ends of the tubular members116, 118, 120. The pivot upright 110 can include three enlarged portions164 which are configured to receive an end portion of the tubularmembers 116, 118, 120. The enlarged portions 164 define recesses 166which are configured to receive and cover end portions of the tubularmembers 116, 118, 120. The recesses 166 can desirably be closed at oneend as shown in FIG. 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 166 are further configuredto receive fasteners 168, which pass through the enlarged portions 164and through end portions of the tubular members 116, 118, and 120. Thepassing of the fastener through the pivot upright 110 and the tubularmembers 116, 118, 120, can desirably secure the tubular members to thepivot upright 110.

In some embodiments, the fasteners 168 can be 5 mm threaded screws whichengage a nut 170 or T-nut 172 located on an outer face of the pivotupright 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the nuts 170 are configuredto engage the top tubular member 116 and the bottom tubular member 120and can desirably be square nuts that are counter sunk into the upright110. This arrangement of countersunk nut 170 holds the nut 170 when thefastener 166 is tightened.

In the illustrated embodiment, the middle tubular member 118 is joinedto the upright 110 by the fastener 168 and the T-nut 172 The T-nut 172can be a flanged T-nut with spiral flutes on the body of the T-nut 172.The spiral flutes can be configured to secure the T-nut 172 into thepivot upright 110 when the fastener 168 is tightened with the nut 172.The T-nut can provide structural stability to the pivot mounts 132 and130 (FIG. 3) which are integrally formed with the pivot uprights 110 and112 (FIG. 3).

Although the present embodiment has been shown with threaded fasteners168 and nuts 170 and 172 which pass through the upright 110 and 112 andthe tubular members 116, 118, 120, any suitable fasteners or fasteninglocations can be used. For example, in some embodiments, one, some, orall of the tubular members can be riveted, adhered, or epoxied to theuprights 110, 112.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate two alternative methods to install the cargotailgate enclosure 100 in the truck 30 (FIG. 1). Preferably, prior toinstallation of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100, a latch 202 isinstalled on each of the side walls 36, 38 of the truck 30. The latches202 in some embodiments can be substantially similar to the latchesdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/105,120, filed Apr. 13,2005. FIGS. 17-18 illustrate a right latch 202 configured to mount to aright sidewall 38 of the vehicle bed. The cargo tailgate enclosure canhave a left hand mirrored counterpart (not shown) configured to mount tothe left sidewall 36 of the vehicle bed. (FIG. 1). The latches 202 arepreferably installed using three threaded fasteners, however, anysuitable fastening means such as a rivet, bolt, or adhesive may be used.In one embodiment, the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 includes a templatewhich is used to locate the latches 202 on the proper location of theside wall 36 and the side wall 38 of the truck 30. Once the latches 202are installed on the cargo bed 32 of the truck 30, the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 can then be mounted to the truck 30.

With reference to FIG. 17, one installation method shown in FIG. 17includes positioning the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 in a substantiallyvertical orientation and inserting the left pivot mount 130 and theright pivot mount 132 into the latches 202. When the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 is mounted to the truck 30 using this above-mentionedmethod, the lever 204 of latches 202 does not require actuation into anopen position. Small flats 128 can be formed in the pivot mounts 130 and132 (FIG. 19). The flats 128 can be oriented to provide a thinnerdiameter of the pivot mounts 130, 132 when the cargo tailgate enclosure100 is in a substantially vertical position (FIG. 19) as compared towhen the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is in a horizontal position (FIG.20). Thus, the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 can be mounted to the truck30 by placing the tailgate enclosure in a vertical position without aneed to actuate the lever 204.

With reference to FIG. 18, the latches 202 can include a mechanism toallow the tailgate enclosure 100 to be mounted to the truck 30 in asubstantially horizontal position as shown in FIG. 18. The mechanismincludes a lever 204 coupled to a retention member. The lever 204 can berepositioned between an open position (shown in FIG. 19) of the latch202 in which the pivot mount 132 can be freely inserted or removed intothe latch 202, and a closed position in which the pivot mount 132 isrotatably secured to the latch 202. (shown in FIG. 20). This lever 204mechanism engages the latches 202 and allows the cargo tailgateenclosure 100 to be mounted to the truck 30 in a substantiallyhorizontal position. This is particularly advantageous when transportinga large item such as the motorcycle 60 of FIG. 9 which may block thecargo tailgate enclosure 100 from being rotated to a substantiallyvertical position.

Once the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is engaged with the latches 202,it is possible to rotate the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 throughoutapproximately 180 degrees which allows the cargo tailgate enclosure tobe placed in multiple positions including those illustrated in FIGS.9-10 assuming it is not blocked by cargo in the bed 32. If it is desiredto mount the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 in the position shown in FIG.11, it is possible to install a second set of latches 202 on a forwardportion of the cargo bed 32 of the truck 30 or it is simply possible toset the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 in the location of the cargo bed 32shown in FIG. 11.

With reference to FIGS. 17-20, when it is desired to remove the cargotailgate enclosure from the truck 30, the following procedures can beused. If the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 is in the substantiallyhorizontal position, shown in FIG. 18, and cannot be rotated to asubstantially vertical position, then the user must actuate the latches202 by rotating the lever 204 which releases the pivot mount 130 or 132from the latches 202. If the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 can be rotatedto a substantially vertical position, the tailgate enclosure can simplybe lifted vertically out of the latches 202 without the rotation of thelever 204 due to the flats 128.

Although the embodiment of the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 has beenshown incorporating the use of the latches 202, it is contemplated thatin other embodiments, any suitable latch or attachment method may beused to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure 100 to the truck 30. It isdesirable that suitable attachment hardware provides a rotational degreeof freedom; however, attachment hardware that do not provide arotational degree of freedom may also be used. Also, the latches 202 orany other suitable attachment hardware can be positioned at any pointalong the cargo bed 32 as may be desirable by a user.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, another embodiment of the tailgateenclosure 1001 is shown. The tailgate enclosure 1001 is generallysimilar to the above described tailgate enclosure 100 however; thetailgate enclosure 1001 includes tubular members that comprise agenerally circular cross-sectional shape. The tailgate enclosure 1001illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 also comprises an additional set ofuprights. The additional set of uprights are configured to act asbumpers and are configured to be located centrally on the side walls ofthe tailgate enclosure. The tailgate enclosure shown in FIGS. 21 and 22comprises a generally sloped back wall which is substantially similar tothe back wall 106 of the above described embodiment. However the slopedback wall of the tailgate enclosure of FIGS. 21 and 22 extends past adistal end of the tailgate so as to provide additional space to thecargo bed.

Although the previous embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-22 have a generallyU-shaped that is generally rigid, it can be appreciated by one skilledin the art that the bed extender may be foldable as to collapse to analtered shape when not in use. Such an embodiment can include foldingconnections near the transitions from the side walls to the back wall.The foldable connections can be preferably configured such that the sidewalls can fold back and against the back wall. The foldable connectionsmay be any suitable pivotal connections such as hinges or flexibleinserts. Furthermore, any number of foldable connections can be usedwhich may allow the tailgate extender to be folded down a substantiallysmall size.

With reference to FIG. 23, a cross-sectional view of a cross member 116and rear uprights 112 and 114 is shown. The cross member 116 ispreferably comprised of three members including the two side members 300and the central member 302. The central member 302 a preferably sized soas to insert into the side members 300. This allows the central member302 to slide within the side members 300. That is the central membertelescopically engages the side members 300. The uprights 112 and 114further define a stepped hole 304 which is configured to receive andclamp the members 300 and 302. The stepped hole 304 is configured have afirst size and shape 308 which is configured to match the shape of themember 300 and a second size and shape 306 which is configured to matchthe shape of the central member 302. This configuration allows themembers 300 and 302 to be adjusted relative to one another and then tobe clamped in position with the over edge of the member 300 so be atleast partially covered by the uprights 112 and 114. The end of thetubular member 300 may also locate axially with the uprights 112 and 114at a edge 310 of the hole 304. The edge 310 may also transition the hole304 from the first size and shape 308 to the second size and shape 306.This arrangement shown in FIG. 23 allows a tailgate enclosure to have anadjustable width with may allow the tailgate enclosure to compensate forwidth variations in various vehicles. In various embodiments, anadjustable width tubular member, such as that illustrated in FIG. 23 canhave a cylindrical profile or a non-cylindrical profile such as thatdescribed and illustrated above with respect to FIG. 12.

Although the cargo tailgate enclosure 100, 1001 has been disclosed inthe context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the cargo tailgate enclosureextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or users of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalent thereof. In particular, while the presentcargo tailgate enclosure has been described in the context of aparticularly preferred embodiment, a skilled artisan will appreciate inview of the present disclosure that certain advantages, features andaspects of the cargo tailgate enclosure may be realized in a variety ofother applications, many of which have been noted above. Additionally,it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the inventiondescribed can be practiced separately, combined together, or substitutedfor one another, and that a variety of combinations and sub-combinationsof the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scopeof the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the presentinvention herein disclosed, should not be limited by the particulardisclosed embodiments described above but should be determined only by afair reading of the claims.

1. A vehicle tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle having an openstorage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel on one sideof said bed, a second upstanding side panel on an opposite side of saidbed, and a tailgate, said tailgate enclosure mountable in a firstposition in which said tailgate enclosure comprises: a first side wallcoupled to the first side panel; a second side wall coupled to thesecond side panel; and a connecting wall which connects said first sidewall and said second side wall, a portion of said connecting wallpositioned over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed,said connecting wall angling upward and outward from said tailgate at anangle of between about 10 and about 50 degrees from vertical.
 2. Thetailgate enclosure of claim 1, wherein the tailgate enclosure ismoveable from said first position to a second position with saidtailgate enclosure positioned between said first side panel and saidsecond side panel such that said connecting wall is positioned over saidbed forward of said rear end with said connecting wall angling downwardand forward at an angle of at least 15 degrees from vertical.
 3. Thetailgate enclosure of claim 1, wherein said connecting wall comprises atleast two separable portions.
 4. The tailgate enclosure of claim 1,wherein said tailgate enclosure is moveable from said first position tosaid second position without detachment of said first side wall fromsaid vehicle and without detachment of said second side wall from saidvehicle.
 5. The tailgate enclosure of claim 3, wherein said tailgateenclosure is moveable from said first position to said second positionwithout detachment of said first side wall from said vehicle and withoutdetachment of said second side wall from said vehicle.
 6. The tailgateenclosure of claim 1, wherein said connecting wall comprises a pluralityof tubular members.
 7. The tailgate enclosure of claim 3, wherein saidconnecting wall comprises a plurality of cross-members.
 8. The tailgateenclosure of claim 4, wherein said connecting wall comprises a pluralityof cross-members.
 9. The tailgate enclosure of claim 1, wherein saidconnecting wall defines a plurality of openings that allow air to passthrough said connecting wall.
 10. The tailgate enclosure of claim 3,wherein said connecting wall defines a plurality of openings that allowair to pass through said connecting wall.
 11. The tailgate enclosure ofclaim 4, wherein said connecting wall defines a plurality of openingsthat allow air to pass through said connecting wall.
 12. The tailgateenclosure of claim 6, wherein said connecting wall defines a pluralityof openings that allow air to pass through said connecting wall.
 13. Thetailgate enclosure of claim 1, wherein in the first position, theconnecting wall angles upward and outward from said tailgate at an angleof at least 15 degrees from vertical.
 14. A vehicle tailgate enclosurefor use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, afirst upstanding side panel defining one side of said bed, a secondupstanding side panel defining an opposite side of said bed, and atailgate, said tailgate enclosure mountable in a first position in whichsaid tailgate enclosure comprises: a first side wall coupled to thefirst side panel; a second side wall coupled to the second side panel;and a connecting wall which connects said first side wall and saidsecond side wall, said connecting wall comprising: a plurality ofcross-members having a non-circular cross-section; and a plurality ofstruts, each strut defining a plurality of openings, each of saidplurality of openings sized and shaped to receive and retain one of saidplurality of cross-members.
 15. The tailgate enclosure of claim 14,wherein said tailgate enclosure is moveable from said first position toa second position with said tailgate enclosure positioned between saidfirst side panel and said second side panel such that said connectingwall is positioned over said bed forward of said rear end with saidfirst side wall and said second side wall extending forward toward theconnecting wall.
 16. The tailgate enclosure of claim 14, wherein saidfirst side wall and said second side wall each comprise a plurality ofcross-members having a non-circular cross-section and a plurality ofvertical struts, each vertical strut defining a plurality of openings,each of said plurality of openings sized and shaped to receive andretain one of said plurality of cross-members.
 17. The tailgateenclosure of claim 14, wherein said first side wall comprises at leastin part said plurality of cross-members of said connecting wall and saidsecond wall comprises at least in part said plurality of cross-membersof said connecting wall.
 18. The tailgate enclosure of claim 17, whereinsaid first wall and said second wall each further comprise at least onevertical strut, said vertical strut defining a plurality of openings,each of said plurality of openings sized and shaped to receive andretain one of said plurality of cross-members.
 19. The tailgateenclosure of claim 18, wherein said at least one vertical strut of saidfirst wall covers a distal end of said plurality of cross-members. 20.The tailgate enclosure of claim 14, wherein each of said plurality ofvertical struts comprise two mating sections which couple to secure saidplurality of cross-members within said plurality of openings.
 21. Thetailgate enclosure of claim 17, wherein each of said plurality ofcross-members is bent so that a first portion of said tubular memberextends transverse to a second portion of said tubular member.
 22. Thetailgate enclosure of claim 14, wherein the cross-members each have anon-circular cross section comprising: a pair of opposing curvedsidewalls having a first radius of curvature and defining a height ofthe cross-members; and a pair of opposing curved end walls having asecond radius of curvature and defining a width of the cross-members.23. The tailgate enclosure of claim 22, wherein the ratio of the firstradius of curvature to the height of the cross-members is approximately1.110:1.
 24. The tailgate enclosure of claim 22, wherein the ratio ofthe second radius of curvature to the width of the cross members isapproximately 1.117:1.